Whenever I see a color or colors that catch my eye, it’s like a firework display goes off in my mind. When I experience these fireworks, I take a mental image of the scene and colors to either later inspire me creatively or to use as a meditative tool.

The fuchsia bougainvillea tree in front of my grandparent’s stark white Mediterranean-style home in San Francisco is always an image I refer to when seeking color inspiration, and the vibrant blue wall at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City is a memory I go and visit when I need a calming mental moment.

Being that I love color, I was excited to see Pantone’s color(s) of the year, and this year they did something different. They went with two colors: Rose Quartz and Serenity. Rose Quartz is a pale pink and Serenity is a cool, light blue. Together they reflect connection, wellness, and a soothing sense of tranquility.

Colors tend to have an emotional effect on me, and I love the idea Pantone had of coming up with two colors that are meant to give everyone a sense of calm. After I finish knitting the Yoga Shawl, which is a nice meditative knit, I plan on using Serenity to knit the Sanagi Dress, my first spring knit of the year. I’m hoping that the Sanagi Dress and color therapy will keep me centered and at peace this spring while I fight off allergies.